The College of Health Sciences' one- and two-year Biomedical Sciences graduate programs help you to leverage your existing knowledge, technical skills, and expertise into building a career in the health sciences. Upon completion of a Biomedical Sciences Master of Arts program, your research skills and studies will prepare you for further academic and professional healthcare training, and the two-year Master of Science program will help you become a competitive applicant for careers in biotechnology, biosafety, government service, and more. Welcome to tomorrow's healthcare team!

Career Opportunities

Research technicians

Ph.D. Programs in Science

Pharmaceutical laboratories

Postsecondary teaching

Graduation Rate (2015)

Seventeen (17) of the 26 (65%) students matriculating in the class of 2015 graduated from the Masters of Biomedical Sciences degree program on time. Five (5) other students (19%) did not complete the Master of Biomedical Sciences program, but were accepted into professional schools.

MWU Outcomes(2015)

Fifteen (15) of the 17 students (88%) graduating in 2015 have been accepted into medical, dental, Ph.D, or physician assistant programs.

Twelve percent (12%) of the students graduating in the class of 2015 have not communicated their career status with the program.

US Employment Projection

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2016-2017 edition, occupational outlook report, the following Biomedical Sciences related employment occupations are expected to reflect the following demand:

Employment of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Job OutlookEmployment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures.2015 Median Pay - $50,550 per year - $24.30 per hour

Employment of Biological Technicians Job OutlookEmployment of biological technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Continued growth in biotechnology and medical research is expected to increase demand for these workers.2015 Median Pay - $41,650 per year - $20.02 per hour

Employment of Forensic Science Technicians Job OutlookEmployment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 27 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 3,800 new jobs over the 10-year period. Competition for jobs will be strong because of substantial interest in forensic science.2015 Median Pay - $56,320 per year - $27.08 per hour

Employment of Medical Scientists Job OutlookEmployment of medical scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Medical scientists will continue to be needed because they contribute to the development of treatments and medicines that improve human health.2015 Median Pay - $82,240 per year - $39.54 per hour

Employment of Health Educators and Community Health WorkersJob OutlookEmployment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be driven by efforts to improve health outcomes and to reduce healthcare costs by teaching people healthy habits and behaviors and explaining how to use available healthcare services.2015 Median Pay - $43,840 per year - $21.08 per hour

Employment of Biochemists and Biophysicists Job OutlookEmployment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More biochemists and biophysicists will be needed to use the knowledge they have gained from basic research to develop biological products and processes that improve people's lives.2015 Median Pay - $82,150 per year - $39.50 per hour

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree program, applicants must submit the following documented evidence:

Completion of a bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher, preferably with a major in the sciences, from a regionally accredited college or university.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00 in all coursework completed for their bachelor's or higher degree program.

Two letters of recommendation (or one committee letter from the applicant's college or university).

Official transcripts from each college or university attended.

Test scores submitted to the Office of Admissions from one of the following: Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admissions Tests (MCAT), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), Dental Admissions Test (DAT), Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), or other professional program admissions test.

Completion of the typical prerequisite coursework for admission into medical, dental, optometry or pharmacy schools, such as biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and mathematics are strongly recommended. Prospective students are responsible for determining the prerequisites for the health professional program and institution of their choice.

Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.

Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

A limited number of transfer credits from other institutions are allowed: 6 semester (9 quarter) hours for the Master in Biomedical Science.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are advised to complete their application files as early as possible, but no later than July 15th, to ensure timely consideration.

Program Description

The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Program is designed as a full-time, graduate-level program that provides the student with a broad background in the biomedical sciences, laboratory experiences, and research skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare and graduate students who have extensive knowledge, technical skills, and expertise to function in a variety of biomedical professions. These include careers as technicians and supervisors in the biotechnology, biosafety, and pharmaceutical industry; research personnel in biomedical science laboratories; employees in governmental and regulatory agencies; and faculty for undergraduate teaching programs.

The 88.5-quarter-hour (minimum) master's degree curriculum is usually completed in 21-24 months. All students must complete the program within four years of matriculation, excepting approved leaves of absence. All students are required to complete a research project approved by the student's research committee. The required curriculum includes basic science courses in biochemistry; molecular and cellular biology; genetics; and physiology. Students must also complete at least one additional basic science sequence; microbiology and immunology; pharmacology; and/or histology and anatomy. In addition to the basic science courses, the student must take a series of research courses that prepares them for a research project and thesis that is the culmination of the degree program. The research courses include: Research Topics and Methods, Research Design and Statistics, Advanced Research Design and Statistics, Good Laboratory Practice, Journal Club, Laboratory Rotations, Ethics of Research and Experimentation, Research Literature Review, Research Protocol, Research Seminar, Laboratory Research, and Research Thesis. Finally, a series of electives and independent study courses are available. The electives allow the student to further specify an area of interest to better prepare them for a career in their chosen field.

NOTE: Transferring between degree programs is prohibited. MBS students who leave after their first year will not be granted an MA degree. MA students who do not get accepted into a professional program after the first year cannot "stay on" for a second year and get the MBS degree.

Program Strengths

Research with medical school faculty

Opportunities for students to make presentations at local and national conferences

Submit grant applications

Write publications for peer-reviewed scientific journals

Mission

Midwestern University Master of Biomedical Sciences Program mission is to educate and prepare students in the biomedical sciences to be competitive applicants for careers in a wide range of health-related fields, as well as for additional academic and professional training.

Planned Program Improvements

There are no significant changes to the admission requirements, academic standards or curriculum planned for the upcoming year.

Accreditation

The State of Arizona Board of Private Postsecondary Education has approved all current degree programs at Midwestern University, Glendale - Arizona Campus. All degrees are conferred under the authority granted by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.